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Vitória Guimarães vs Arouca: Prediction, Betting Tips & Match Preview | Jan 18, 2025

The Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques will be the stage for a crucial Primeira Liga clash as Vitória Guimarães take on Arouca on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8:30 PM UK time. Vitória Guimarães, sitting 6th in the table with 25 points, are desperate to end a five-match winless streak, while Arouca, in 16th with 15 points, are fighting to climb out of the relegation zone. Vitória Guimarães come into this match after a thrilling 4-4 draw with Sporting CP, while Arouca secured a 3-1 victory over Boavista. With both teams in need of points, this promises to be an intriguing encounter.

Team Analysis:

Vitória Guimarães:

Vitória Guimarães have been inconsistent this season, with their early-season form fading in recent months. They come into this match winless in their last five league games.

  • Current Form: Vitória Guimarães’ last outing was a 4-4 draw with Sporting CP, where they fought back from two goals down to earn a point. This followed a 1-1 draw with Famalicão and a 1-1 draw with Portimonense, leaving them winless in their last five league matches.
  • Key Players: Gustavo Silva (4 goals) has been the standout performer in attack, while Tiago Silva and Nélson Oliveira (both with 3 goals) provide additional firepower. André André is a key figure in midfield.
  • Injuries: Vitória Guimarães will be without Nélson Oliveira, Jesus Ramirez, Bruno Gaspar, and Toni Borevkovic. João Mendes is suspended.
  • Home Form: Vitória Guimarães have been strong at home, with four wins, three draws, and one loss in their eight league games at the Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques this season.
Arouca:

Arouca have been struggling this season but are beginning to find form under Vasco Seabra. They come into this match unbeaten in their last three league games.

  • Current Form: Arouca’s last outing was a 3-1 victory over Boavista, where Guven Yalcin scored twice in stoppage time to secure the win. This followed a 1-1 draw with Estoril Praia and a 2-1 victory over Marítimo.
  • Key Players: Jason (4 goals) has been crucial in attack, while Guven Yalcin provides a goal threat. Rafael Fernandes is a key figure in defence.
  • Injuries: Arouca will be without Kouassi Eboue and Nino Galovic. Pablo Gozalbez is suspended.
  • Away Form: Arouca have been poor on the road, with just two wins, one draw, and six losses in their nine away league games this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters:

Vitória Guimarães have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning the last three Primeira Liga meetings against Arouca. The reverse fixture in August saw Vitória Guimarães secure a 1-0 victory, with Nélson Oliveira scoring the lone goal. Arouca’s last win in this fixture came in January 2023, highlighting their struggles against Vitória Guimarães.

Prediction:

Vitória Guimarães’ home advantage and superior squad quality make them favourites for this clash. Arouca’s injury woes and poor away form further tilt the scales in Vitória Guimarães’ favour. Expect a hard-fought game, but Vitória Guimarães should come out on top.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Vitória Guimarães 2-1 Arouca

Betting Tips:

  • Both Teams to Score: Yes
    (Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, and Arouca’s attack can trouble Vitória Guimarães.)
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
    (Vitória Guimarães’ attacking style and Arouca’s need for points suggest an open game.)
  • Anytime Goalscorer: Gustavo Silva (Vitória Guimarães)
    (The forward has been in fine form and is a constant threat.)

Hot Stat:

Vitória Guimarães are unbeaten in their last 15 home league meetings against Arouca, winning 11 and drawing 4.

Possible Lineups:

Vitória Guimarães: Varela; Baio, Rivas, Fernandes, Villanueva; Samu, J Silva, T Silva; César, Michel, Santos
Arouca: Mantl; Esgaio, Lamba, Pinto, Weverson; Simão, Santos; Yalcin, Jason, Trezza; Garcia

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